The Maryland General Assembly apologized during the past session for the state?s role in the institution of slavery, but noted black historian Ron Walters said that isn?t enough.
Walters made his comments at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History and Culture, in Baltimore, during a news conference Tuesday that announced closing activities of the At Freedom?s Door: Challenging Slavery in Maryland exhibit. They include a panel discussion on slavery and a choral presentation this weekend.
On display since February, the exhibit is presented through a mix of historical materials, contemporary works of art and interpretive themes. It takes a comprehensive look at the history of slavery, resistance to it and the continuing struggle for its eradication.
“It?s very important to understand as much as we can about the process of slavery and this exhibition is an educational tool to help people do that,” said Walters, a distinguished professor of political science at the University of Maryland.
“There?s been no acknowledgment of the impact slavery made in the development of this country, so every opportunity that we have to do that is extremely important — even if we have to do it through the medium of the arts.”
David Terry, executive director of the museum, said the exhibit was done in collaboration with the Maryland Institute College of Art, Maryland Historical Society and students from Morgan State University.
“It?s been very well received,” he said. “The expansion of the weekend?s programs recognize the fact that during the time it?s been on view, that the legislature took the historic steps in terms of issuing an apology for slavery.”
Joan Gaither, one of the resident artists, has a quilt on exhibit titled How Much Longer.
She describes it as a contemporary piece that deals with acts of racial hatred committed against her from birth.
“It?s a story quilt,” Gaither said. “It has no threads in it and is completely assembled with pins so that it realizes the lingering pain of racial hatred.”
IF YOU GO
The Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland Inc. will present its unprecedented initiative, The Conversation Continues ? a panel discussion focusing on the residual impacts of slavery. It will be held at 6 p.m. Saturday at the Maryland Historical Society.
A choral presentation follows at 2 p.m. Sunday at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum.
For more information call 410-841-3185.
